In today's episode, we introduce you to Caden, our son. We talk about what it was like getting a diagnosis of autism I (what used to be referred to as Asperger's) late in high school. We get his perspective as well as what it was like for Justin and I and how we reacted.

I (Shawna) do apologize for just getting this piece published! Toady, it's 16 November 2019...and this was recorded back on 28 October!!! It's been busy the last few weeks, full of crazy and chaos..which we may get into in future episodes.

We hope you enjoy today's podcast and look forward to hearing your feedback! It was a smidge difficult making sure the microphone was angled to everyone to get the best audio with all three of us sitting around so that will be something to fine tune for next time You may have to adjust your volume to hear parts of it. Caden tended to be a little soft spoken as well.

At the end of every episode, we like to do a shout out. Today's shoutout goes to Searsport Veterinary Clinic for always being rockstars and providing AMAZING treatment to all our critters! Especially Kane ( Shawna's retired service dog) as we had some scary times for a few hours when he couldn't walk. Turned out he was dealing with lyme and anaplasmosis! YUCK!

FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/Searsport-Veterinary-Hospital-771148336284411/

Good day to you all! In today's episode, we just had a conversation about a lot of random things. How life has been going, updates, Kane's recent illness, and that today was simply about putting in the work. A key phrase in our house is "a little bit of something is better than a whole lotta nothing".

 

At the end of every episode, we do a shout out. This episode's shout out is to the Brain injury Association of America, Maine state chapter. Earlier this week, on October 9th, Justin had the opportunity to speak on a panel at their 10th annual state conference. His part of the panel discussion will be shared later as some "bonus content". He discusses (albeit briefly..he only had 10ish minutes ) his story as a TBI survivor. What we've both come to realize is that HIS voice is important and not heard often enough.

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BIAAofME/

Episode 5 was recorded on 16 September 2019. In today's episode, we discuss my recovery post thymectomy that we discussed in last week's episode , which led us into a rambling discussion about opiate abuse, addiction, and some very generalized thoughts about it. I think in the future we will go a little more in depth when we can be a little more prepared.

 

This episode showcases a closer look into how we actually communicate. The last several episodes we have felt like they were too forced and didn't really give you, the audience, a look into who we really were. So today was off script and we just went with the flow. It felt better and we hope to hone this style of conversational podcasting to really make it something you enjoy listening to.

 

At the end of every episode, we do a shout out. Today was the book "Can't Hurt Me" by David Goggins. This blurb is from the book page on Amazon:

 

" For David Goggins, childhood was a nightmare - poverty, prejudice, and physical abuse colored his days and haunted his nights. But through self-discipline, mental toughness, and hard work, Goggins transformed himself from a depressed, overweight young man with no future into a U.S. Armed Forces icon and one of the world's top endurance athletes. The only man in history to complete elite training as a Navy SEAL, Army Ranger, and Air Force Tactical Air Controller, he went on to set records in numerous endurance events, inspiring Outside magazine to name him The Fittest (Real) Man in America. In Can't Hurt Me, he shares his astonishing life story and reveals that most of us tap into only 40% of our capabilities. Goggins calls this The 40% Rule, and his story illuminates a path that anyone can follow to push past pain, demolish fear, and reach their full potential. "

 

The link to the book is for Amazon. We do NOT have an affiliate link and will not make a cent off of it if you decide to purchase the book. Justin wanted to bring the book to your attention because he believes that it is worth your time to read.

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamdavidgoggins/

 

Amazon Link for the Book: https://smile.amazon.com/Cant-Hurt-Me-Master-Your/dp/1544512287/

At the recording of this episode, episode 4, on 9 September 2019, we are sitting in a hotel in Portland, Maine. Shawna is having a robotic thymectomy tomorrow morning to remove some abnormal thymic tissue. This surgery is in direct relation to her neuromuscular autoimmune disease called Myasthenia Gravis. In today's episode, we get a little more in depth into what MG is, what the surgery is, and what we are hoping it will achieve.

 

Upcoming podcasts may be late as a result. It will depend on Shawna's recovery. Cross your fingers for speedy healing...because she is the brains behind this operation!

 

Mentioned in today's podcast is County Copy and Print Center - where Shawna works. She has truly LOVED being able to working again and we are hopeful that this surgery will allow her to continue to do so. County Copy and Print Center is a small business in Belfast, Maine. They provide printing and copying services, book binding, graphic design, business and marketing material layout assistance, and more. Check out their page, give them a like, and show some love to a local small business.

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/countycopyprintcenter/

In Episode 3, we deviate a little bit from the "schedule" we talked about in episode 2. This tends to happen quite frequently in our household as our daily lives never go according to plan. Our plans are fluid out of necessity. We missed publishing this episode the last week in August 2019 because we both hit proverbial walls due to various fatigue states. Join us as we discuss how fatigue affects us, what it looks like, and different ways we have learned to cope and prevent it.

Mentioned in today's podcast was the organization that helped me (Shawna) get my service dog, Andy. K9's on the Frontline is an amazing organization that has partnered with North Edge K9 to help train PTSD service dogs for combat Veterans in Maine. They have a sister organization in Missouri that was started by one of their Maine graduates. For more information on K9's on the Frontline please go to:

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/K9sOTFL/

 

Website: https://k9sonthefrontline.org/

 

 Also mentioned today was the organization that Shawna adopted her first service dog, Kane, from: Southeast German Shepherd Rescue. You can find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/southeastgsdrescue/

In Episode 2, we pick up where we left off in episode 1. At the end of episode 1, you heard us have to cut it short because Shawna's service dog Andy came in with a minor injury. Not to worry - it wasn't too severe and is healing nicely. As a result of the first episode getting cut short though, we felt that we needed to dive a little deeper into our introductions and what In Sickness and...OH Nevermind is all about. In episode 2, that's exactly what we discuss.

Enjoy!

Originally filmed as a Facebook live on our page, this is the audio from that live introductory video we did on our 6 year anniversary - 10 August 2019. It's a brief introduction into who we are, where the idea for this podcast came from, and what we hope to discuss/you can expect.

 

At the end you'll hear us have to cut it short because my service dog Andy came in with an abrasion. We're still not sure what he got into, but it ended up being similar to if we (humans) got rug burn or a skinned knee. It is healing nicely and he has no long term issues from it.

 

There is swearing/profanity so listen at your own risk when around the kiddos. We recommend wearing headphones/earbuds if around young ones